Farmington firefighters assist in decorating 30-foot Christmas tree

FARMINGTON — Local officials took to decorating the town for the holidays this Tuesday, as the Recreation Department and Farmington fire crews placed ornaments on the community's Christmas tree.

Recreation Director Rick Conway said the work could not have been done without Farmington Fire and Rescue Department's assistance. Crews brought out a large truck to place decorations at the highest parts of the approximate 30-foot tall tree while the Recreation workers worked on the tree's lower branches.

“By the time the fire departments helps us with the tree, everybody in town has pitched in a little bit so it makes it all that more of a community event,” Conway said, noting the tree decoration is the last event before the tree is lit up.

The annual tree lighting ceremony is scheduled for this Saturday, Dec. 1 at 5:30 p.m., after locals are invited for hot chocolate and cookies at 5 p.m.

“Students from the school will come down and perform at about 5:30 p.m. and all the overhead lights will be turned on at the same time,” Conway added.

The Highway Department and the Farmington Police Department assist the Recreation Department every year with their hanging of lights around the downtown area.

Santa Claus will also attend Friday's event, and ride through town on a fire truck, while handing out candy to children. The event should go until about 6:30 p.m.